TBW RESEARCH GESMBH

Their core work

TBW Research is a Vienna-based research SME specializing in the conversion of municipal and urban biowaste into valuable chemical building blocks and biobased products. They contribute applied research expertise to biorefinery processes and circular bioeconomy value chains. Their work spans both technical R&D on waste valorization (PERCAL, WaysTUP!) and cooperative education in bioeconomy entrepreneurship (AgRefine), suggesting a dual role as a research performer and knowledge transfer facilitator.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

TBW Research entered H2020 in 2017 through PERCAL, focused on chemical valorization of municipal solid waste — a technically oriented biorefinery project. By 2019, their scope broadened in two directions: WaysTUP! shifted toward urban biowaste systems in city environments, while AgRefine moved into bioeconomy education and entrepreneurial training. This progression suggests a shift from pure technical research toward systemic thinking about bioeconomy value chains and workforce development.

TBW Research is moving from lab-level biorefinery research toward broader bioeconomy systems, including urban waste management and human capital development — positioning them for circular economy and sustainability-focused consortia.

How they like to work

TBW Research operates exclusively as a consortium participant, never leading projects, which is typical for a specialized SME contributing focused expertise to larger initiatives. With 45 unique partners across just 3 projects, they work in large consortia (averaging 15+ partners per project). This indicates they are comfortable operating within complex multi-partner collaborations and are likely experienced at delivering defined work packages within larger frameworks.

Despite only three projects, TBW Research has built a broad network of 45 partners across 14 countries, reflecting participation in large European consortia. Their reach spans well beyond the DACH region, indicating strong pan-European connectivity in the bioeconomy space.

What sets them apart

TBW Research sits at the intersection of biowaste valorization research and bioeconomy entrepreneurship training — an unusual combination for a small SME. Their participation in both BBI-JU innovation actions and an MSCA training network means they can contribute both technical biorefinery knowledge and education/training design. For consortium builders in the circular bioeconomy space, they offer an Austrian partner with demonstrated flexibility across research, innovation, and skills development project types.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AgRefine
  An MSCA-ITN running until 2024, indicating TBW's involvement in doctoral-level training and long-term capacity building in bioeconomy, unusual for a small SME.
• WaysTUP!
  Largest funding share (EUR 400,000) and focused on a politically relevant topic — urban biowaste transformation in cities, bridging waste management and bioeconomy.